Chapter 39

It was truly a situation no one would have wished for.

In front of them stood an elderly knight, and not too far away, Sir Garcia, who already had a fierce expression, was frowning with his arms crossed.

And before them were these two siblings, Christian and Aira, who, like students caught causing trouble, remained sheepishly quiet.

“That…”

Christian, spurred on by Aira’s persistent pokes at his side, reluctantly opened his mouth first.

“We didn’t mean to eavesdrop, really, but then, well, we heard you fighting…”

“Isn’t that essentially saying you eavesdropped?”

“I’m sorry.”

To Sir Ketn’s calm, reproachful words, Christian quickly bowed his head. Aira also hastily lowered her head, gauging the atmosphere.

‘Even if I don’t know about others, Sir Ketn is incredibly difficult to deal with.’

A person so businesslike that he seemed he wouldn’t bleed a drop even if stabbed with a knife—that was exactly the kind of person Ketn was.

And because Christian was not adept at managing distance with such businesslike people, he felt a certain awkwardness.

“Such actions are not honorable. Every action of yours directly impacts the honor of the Worden County, so please exercise self-restraint.”

The stern old knight’s scolding made the two spirited siblings passive as lambs. It was only because they were of their lord’s bloodline that a modicum of warmth seeped through, but Ketn’s gaze toward Garcia was as stern as could be.

“I say again, if your foolish actions cause harm to the Count family, I will not forgive you.”

“Who says I’ll cause harm! Don’t you understand it’s all for protecting the territory?”

Garcia, barely restraining his anger, tried to counter, but Ketn left the room without looking back.

Once the sound of footsteps had receded down the hallway, Christian, finally able to breathe a sigh of relief, asked Garcia, who was still seething, “What on earth were you two arguing about?”

“We were discussing the issue of subduing the monsters that appeared near Flamme with Sir Ketn, so…”

Monsters had begun to gather and loiter near the castle gates. There had been no direct confrontations or provocations, but because of this, the territory was facing difficulties.

“I requested reinforcements, but, well, Sir Ketn outright refused. So, naturally, I raised my voice.”

“But it does seem strange. You said there hasn’t been any damage so far?”

“Yes, however, it’s impossible to predict when damage might occur. If it does happen, it might be so significant it’s hard to estimate. We must remove the threat while it’s merely odd behavior.”

Christian, knowledgeable about monsters, nodded.

He had dealt with a monster wave and witnessed dragonkin using monsters like soldiers, after all.

‘But for monsters to be roaming in groups at this time… Could it be that a demon beast has appeared?’

Monsters forming a group, regardless of scale, was more common than expected.

Most monsters leading such groups were mutant entities naturally endowed with mana, known as demon beasts.

Endowed with mana, these were significantly stronger and more intelligent than other monsters of the same species, thus having their threat level measured as at least one tier higher.

Even as single entities, they were considerably dangerous, but as leaders of a group, they would pose multiple times the threat.

“What types of monsters are they?”

“Not just one type, but a variety of medium-sized monsters are apparently roving around together.”

“Medium-sized? And not all the same kind? There’s no reason they’d band together unless they’ve somehow gone mad…”

“Exactly, it’s driving me mad. The number of demon beasts keeps increasing, and Sir Ketn just insists on watching for now.”

“He’s likely concluded that the walls are sturdy enough to withstand them. And once the subjugation team returns, they can handle it more securely.”

The walls surrounding Flamme could withstand the charge of medium-sized monsters without a scratch, and the creatures couldn’t possibly climb over them.

From this perspective, Sir Ketn’s decision was fundamentally sound. If left alone, the monsters couldn’t breach the walls, so there wouldn’t be any damages.

As Christian seemed to agree with Ketn’s judgement, Garcia hurriedly interjected, “But there is some damage. The number of traders and merchants is dwindling. Flamme isn’t a place that produces its own food; imagine if even the merchants stopped visiting!”

In the Worden County, where the corpses of demon beasts were a major source of income, most food and essential goods were brought in from outside.

Thus, a decline in merchant visits would destabilize the people’s lives and deal a severe blow to the finances of the Worden family.

Garcia’s remark made Christian’s expression stiffen.

“What about the food stocks within the city?”

“Quite a sizable quantity has been consumed by the subjugation team’s provisions, so it wouldn’t be abundant. We’re in need of additional food supplies. But with monsters blatantly roaming around like this, merchants will be reluctant to bear the risk, so they probably won’t trade for a while. Even if they come, they’ll likely take advantage of the situation.”

Christian and Aira nodded, agreeing with Garcia’s words. Encouraged by the siblings’ agreement, Garcia continued with enthusiasm.

“Therefore, we must quickly subdue those monsters and stabilize the trade routes as soon as possible. If Flamme remains isolated under these circumstances without knowing when the hunting party will return, we won’t be able to hold out!”

“I understand Sir Ketn’s point, but….”

“……”

“Ahem, however, I find myself aligned more with Sir Garcia’s opinion.”

“As expected, I thought young master Christian would understand my sentiments!”

Christian, leaving the grateful Garcia behind, gathered his thoughts.

‘If Sir Ketn has postponed the subjugation, this isn’t nearly the scale of a monster wave.’

Perhaps Ketn took a conservative stance because he judged that this incident was not a precursor to a monster wave.

However, Christian was deeply concerned about why monsters, who typically valued their territory, were gathering and wandering around the Flamme city walls.

“Sir Garcia, would it be acceptable for me to take a look at the outside situation myself?”

“The outside, you say?”

“Well, I’m not saying I want to go out. I just want to observe the monsters from the outer wall.”

He considered actually going out to capture and study a few of the monsters, but, of course, that wouldn’t be allowed. As Garcia hesitated, Christian slyly placed a hand on Aira’s shoulder.

“If the situation is more severe than expected, couldn’t I, or rather, we, offer some assistance?”

“We?”

Aira tilted her head in puzzlement at Christian’s sudden suggestion, but Garcia caught the meaning and his eyes gleamed.

No matter how much he argued, his words wouldn’t sway Sir Ketn, but if the heirs of the family stepped up?

Thinking this far, Garcia’s expression brightened considerably, and he jumped up from his seat.

“Let’s go at once!”

“A wise decision.”

“Young master Christian couldn’t have said it better. Hahaha!”

“Hey, what about my opinion….”

Aira stared incredulously at the two men who had united enthusiastically without considering her input.

***

The sun set and the night grew dark. For Christian, Aira, and Garcia, who had secretly slipped out of the mansion, the darkness wasn’t much of an issue.

Thanks to their enhanced physical abilities, their vision remained unaffected even in rather dark conditions. Moreover, the nights in Flamme were particularly bright.

Historically, nothing was as effective at repelling beasts and monsters as light, so the people of the Rangar region, living near the demon realm, always kept light close and brightly lit the streets.

The three rode horses along the brightly lit street to Flamme’s southern gate, and without waiting, climbed up the outer wall. They were all awed by the scene Garcia pointed out.

“Are those things taking turns standing guard now? Are they worried we might attack?”

“This is the first time I’ve seen a monster sleep.”

The soldiers on guard along the wall exchanged confused glances at the siblings’ remarks, but Garcia, witnessing the same scene, nodded in agreement.

“They’ve made themselves quite at home, haven’t they? How do you think I don’t go crazy watching them? They wouldn’t be doing this right in front of us if they didn’t find us utterly insignificant!”

“Indeed…….”

Christian could understand Garcia’s rage.

Monsters were huddled together, camping leisurely in human territory. It was hair-raising how they occasionally glanced up at the city wall.

“Am I losing my mind, or are they?”

Even though Christian could boast of having seen many monsters, he found this sight profoundly unsettling.

“There are about half a dozen such groups around Flamme right now.”

“Now, your insistence on subjugation is entirely understandable.”

“Right? So, young master, my lady, could you lend your strength in persuading Sir Ketn?”

Even though Garcia was the interim head of city security, the troops he could mobilize were not extensive.

However, if he could borrow even a small number of skilled knights, it would be a significant advantage.

“Would you perhaps speak with Lady Liana and Lady Neria about it?”

Currently under Count’s absolute influence in Flamme.

Even Christian and Aira knew that if Liana and Neria got involved, no matter how stubborn Sir Ketn was, he would have no choice but to step back.

It was also evident that Garcia hoped for the same.

“…… We might get in trouble.”

“We’re definitely going to get in trouble.”

Christian and Aira murmured to each other quietly enough so only they could hear, then they subtly glanced at Garcia.

“Sir Garcia might get reprimanded, don’t you think?”

“Definitely. Knowing Mother and Aunt’s temper.”

“Me?!”

Christian spoke to Garcia, as if it was only natural.

“Well, you did bring us on a nighttime patrol of the outer wall and tried to involve us in something dangerous. Oh, and if Sir Ketn finds out, I’m sure he’ll have something to say about it.”

“No, no, the nighttime patrol was because of the young master… And dangerous? I am not asking the young master or the lady to join the fight.”

Garcia looked at Aira, claiming his innocence, to which Aira shook her head.

“No matter how you try to explain it, they are going to say you stole training time from us.”

“…… Since my life seems doomed anyway, I’ll take at least one more monster down with me!”

As Garcia prepared to jump from the battlements, Christian and Aira urgently grabbed him.

“Sir Garcia, what are you doing?!”

“Just what are you thinking right now?”

Despite seemingly holding out hope that they would stop him, Garcia was easily pulled back by the siblings, even though he could have shrugged them off.

“To protect my honor, I have to kill every last one of those damn monsters!”

“No, that’s not protecting your honor. That’s just finding a slightly more comfortable way to die!”

Garcia flinched at Aira’s pointed remark but didn’t show it. Christian observed the horde of monsters, assessing something, then approached the two with a smile.

“Well, we don’t have a choice then. Let’s all get in trouble together.”

“Pardon? All of us?”

“Wait, I don’t want to get in trouble!”

Sir Garcia, who had been sulking, raised his head at Christian’s words. Aira also looked at Christian as if to ask what he meant.

Unbothered by their stares, Christian said, “How can anyone stay quiet in this perfect opportunity? We have to do this together. Don’t you agree?”

“Do what together? What are you talking about?”

“Don’t play dumb. It’s monster extermination, of course.”

“Uh, Young master Christian?”

Garcia’s face went pale. His intention had been to ask for permission to join the fight, not to suggest fighting alongside him.

But going to the ladies and asking for their consent?

‘…… I’m doomed.’

It wasn’t just a prediction; it was a certainty. Firmly shaking his head, Garcia spoke resolutely.

“I’ll die alone instead. I’ll take down one more monster with me, so please convey our apologies to the ladies to ease their anger.”

Garcia, showing his determination, turned his back. He threw his scabbard on the ground and prepared to jump, displaying his resolve.

Startled, Christian pulled all his mana to restrain Garcia.

“Sir Garcia! If you die like this, wouldn’t that be disloyalty?”

“Young master, but if we go back like this, I will disappoint Lady Liana!”

Garcia’s response nearly drained the strength from Christian.

‘Is Aunt really the type to command someone to die if they disappoint her?’

Watching this farce, Aira sighed and picked up the scabbard from the ground, handing it back to Garcia.

“Let’s hear out what Christian is thinking first.”

“What am I thinking? As someone from the Worden family, I am trying to do what needs to be done in the absence of my father.”

“… What?”

“Think about it. Who should deal with this first?”

“Who else? Of course, it should be Sir Ketn.”

“Lady?!”